Vegan Meat Brand Acquired by Birds Eye Parent Company

Last week, Garden Protein International—makers of the Gardein line of plant-based meat products—announced that it is being acquired by international food conglomerate, Pinnacle Foods. Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, the Pinnacle family of brands includes Duncan Hines, Mrs Butterworth’s, Van de Kamp’s, Aunt Jemima, and Birds Eye—the brand with which Gardein will become most aligned. According to Pinnacle Foods’ CEO, Bob Gamgort, “We believe that plant-based protein is at the tipping point of becoming mainstream, making Gardein an exciting new growth platform for the Birds Eye business.” With an acquision price of $155 million, included will be Gardein’s manufacturing plant in Vancouver, BC and nearly 250 employees. The company’s meat-free line includes Barbecue Wings, Breakfast Patties, Beefless Burgers, and Fishless Filets.